INDEPENDENT MPs HIT RECORD 20 AS GIVEN KATUTA URGES THEM TO PROTECT THEIR INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENT MPs HIT RECORD 20 AS GIVEN KATUTA URGES THEM TO PROTECT THEIR INDEPENDENCE LUSAKA — Zambia has recorded a historic rise in the number of independent Members of Parliament, with 20 Independent MPs elected in the 2026 general election, according to former Chienge Independent MP and 2026 presidential candidate Rev. Dr. Given Katuta Mwelwa. […]

INDEPENDENT MPs HIT RECORD 20 AS GIVEN KATUTA URGES THEM TO PROTECT THEIR INDEPENDENCE

LUSAKA — Zambia has recorded a historic rise in the number of independent Members of Parliament, with 20 Independent MPs elected in the 2026 general election, according to former Chienge Independent MP and 2026 presidential candidate Rev. Dr. Given Katuta Mwelwa.

Katuta says the 20 MPs represent the highest number of Independents elected during Zambia’s multiparty era, describing the development as evidence that voters are increasingly willing to choose individual candidates outside the established political parties.

In a statement congratulating the newly elected MPs, Katuta said their victories had made history and placed them within a growing tradition of independent parliamentary representation.

From none in 1991 to 20 in 2026

According to Katuta’s historical compilation, Zambia had no Independent MPs elected in the first multiparty election of 1991.

The number rose to 10 in 1996, before falling to one in 2001 and three each in 2006 and 2011.

The number increased significantly to 14 in 2016 and 13 in 2021, before reaching a new high of 20 in 2026.

Katuta’s compilation puts the total number of Independent parliamentary victories since 1991 at 64.

The 20 Independent MPs elected in 2026 are:

Edward Chomba — Kankoyo
Kondwani J. Winga — Chifubu
Jerrix Nkhata — Chama South
Towani R. Chipeta — Chasefu North
Vincent Mwale — Chipangali West
Lumankio Zulu — Milanzi
Faith Lungu — Malambo East
Charles Tembo — Kaumbwe
Chitalu Chilufya — Mansa West
Anita Kamanga — Chongwe East
Nshamba M. Muzungu — Mufumbwe
Jonathan L. Mwendelema — Zambezi East
Rapheal K. Ngimbu — Zambezi Central
Vernon B. Bwato — Malole
Mukwavi C. Sichula — Senga Hill
James K. Mwanja — Chirundu
Clive D. Miyanda — Mapatizya
Hastings Sililo — Mulobezi
Iris K. Kaingu — Mwandi
Poho P. Kawina — Solwezi Central
Katuta warns MPs against surrendering their independence

Katuta has urged the newly elected MPs to protect the independence that she says was the basis on which voters elected them.

She has specifically warned the MPs against entering into alliances with the ruling party if such arrangements could be used to amend the Constitution and remove or weaken provisions allowing Independent candidates.

“Our independence is our strength,” Katuta said.

She argued that Independent MPs should retain the freedom to vote according to their conscience and place national interests above party considerations.

Katuta has therefore called on the 20 MPs to form an Independent caucus in Parliament and collectively defend the space for independent political representation.

‘Vote for leaders, not just parties’

Katuta also thanked Zambians for electing candidates outside the traditional party structures.

She said the increase from 10 Independent MPs in 1996 to 20 in 2026 demonstrates what she described as growing public confidence in individual leadership.

“Continue to vote for leaders, not just parties. Continue to vote Independent,” she urged.

Katuta, who contested the 2026 presidential election as an Independent candidate, previously served as Independent MP for Chienge from 2021 to 2026.

She described the 2026 outcome as a significant moment for independent politics in Zambia and called on the newly elected MPs to use their mandate to demonstrate that independent leadership can work within a multiparty democracy.